New Delhi: India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship 2025 27 final remain alive, but former head coach Rahul Dravid believes the team has already fallen slightly behind in the qualification race.
India currently sit fifth in the WTC standings and have eight Tests remaining in the current cycle. With only the top two teams advancing to the final, the Shubman Gill led side is likely to need around six victories from its remaining matches to keep its qualification hopes strong.
India have made a positive start against Sri Lanka, leading the two match series 1 0 and holding the advantage in the second Test after a strong batting display. However, Dravid cautioned that the team cannot afford to rely solely on its current momentum.
The biggest challenge will come during India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, where they are scheduled to play two Tests in October. Dravid pointed out that New Zealand have traditionally been difficult opponents in their home conditions, while several members of India’s younger Test squad have limited experience there.
India will also enter the New Zealand series without several experienced players who have retired from international cricket. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara will no longer be available to provide the experience gained from previous campaigns in challenging overseas conditions.
Dravid stressed that keeping the current squad fit will be crucial during the demanding schedule.
Following the New Zealand tour, India will face Australia in a five Test Border Gavaskar Trophy series at home beginning in January 2027. The former India captain expects Australia to arrive with strong motivation, particularly because many of their leading players will be determined to achieve a series victory in India.
Despite the difficult qualification equation, Dravid believes India’s quality means they cannot be ruled out. The team’s encouraging start against Sri Lanka could provide the foundation for a strong comeback in the WTC race.
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